The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Henry Schipper, Jr. (ASN: 0-270166), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Southwest Pacific Area from 8 to 23 December 1941. As Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 72d Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army, Captain Schipper displayed unusual fortitude and resourcefulness in directing his unit it he defense of Luzon, Philippine Islands, against overwhelming forces of the Japanese invaders. Moving his battalion in to Urdaneta, upon the outbreak of hostilities, he engaged in two weeks of intensive training. When the enemy artillery pounded the town behind him and set it afire and units on both flanks withdrew under the furious enemy onslaught, he gallantly led his men in a determined defense of their forward position. As he rushed a hostile machine gun, which was causing heavy casualties among his troops, he was shot and killed by the foe. Through his inspiring leadership, tactical ability, and unremitting devotion to duty, Captain Schipper made a conspicuous contribution to the heroic defense of the Philippine Islands.